So, don't even mention the fact that Moravian has a two-game winning streak against the Warriors, or that the Greyhounds have posted a 12-2 record against Freedom League teams since 1992, or that the 'Hounds have won their last two season-openers.

None of that matters now, especially with Moravian lacking experience everywhere except the coaching staff, and with Lycoming returning 13 starters from a very talented team that advanced to the NCAA Division III semifinals.

"We haven't played them in two years," said Moravian coach Scot Dapp. "I don't think that you can look at anything we've done against each other in the past. I don't think anything about it."

Dapp does know that Lycoming has a formidable offensive line and a chew 'em up and spit 'em out defense, led by former Liberty High lineman Cameron Coleman (6-foot-2, 250 pounds), Keith Jenkins (6-2, 215) and Larry Farr (6-1, 259). Together, they accounted for 13 sacks last season.

If that's not reason enough for alarm, then there's the factor of who's starting at quarterback for Moravian. Sophomore Rob Petrosky (Catasauqua) won the job in a scrimmage against the Lehigh junior varsity last week, but he only completed 37 percent of his passes with five interceptions and five touchdowns last season in what turned out to be a three-quarterback rotation.

For now, the job is Petrosky's with junior Mike Harrison listed as the backup.

"He's handling himself well in the pocket, and he did some good things last year," Dapp said. "We felt as a coaching staff that he was doing most of the things the best."

Could he get yanked, much like every starter who struggled last season?

"I hope not," Dapp said. "I think anybody can be. I don't care who the quarterback is. If someone is having a real bad game, and you have someone on the bench who can play, I think that can happen, but I told the quarterbacks that I don't want anybody playing to think that they have a sword hanging over their head."

There's enough pressure in this first game, but the 'Hounds do have enough first-team talent to hang tough. But how tough?

On offense, not only is the quarterback young, but the starting halfback, Brian Piperata (Easton) and the fullback, Kirk Harryn (Bethlehem Catholic), both sophomores, are not experienced, and the offensive line only has three returners in Allen High products Joe Pollock and Jim Heidecker and John Hobaugh.

"The front line has played well and is becoming more cohesive," Dapp said. "We'll see if they pass the test in the first game. So, far it's only been study hall. The homework assignments are getting done, they are participating in class, but the proof of the pudding will be when you give them that first test."

The 'Hounds' defense will also be seriously tested. The unit also got depleted by graduation, but has two proven standouts in Dominick Cusumano on the defensive front and linebacker Kevin Greenberg.

Dapp, entering his 11th season, knows that he's the underdog and he understands that, but he hasn't had a losing season, and he's had a few shockers in his tenure.

"Anytime in the first game you try to avoid the mistake problem," Dapp said. "We need to go in there and try to establish our ball-control on offense, and on defense we need to avoid the big play. And the question is how we handle any adversity that might occur."